May 7, 2020

Jehoshaphat showed in chapter 17 his reverence for God. His rule showed that he was a God fearing man and he wanted his people to turn back to Him. Chapter 18 shows a different side of Jehoshaphat. 

Verse one shows that Jehoshaphat, “made a marriage alliance with Ahab.” Ahab was a wicked man, and it was something that Jehoshaphat would have known. So why would he make an alliance with such a man? I don’t know if it was the hope of peace between the kingdoms or if it was the potential for power and extra wealth that it also offered. Either way it seems to be a poor judgement call for the so far great ruler.

If you weren’t sure of Ahab’s morals at the time, this chapter makes it as clear as day. You see how Ahab refuses to listen to the prophet Micaiah because he doesn’t give Ahab the answers he is looking to hear. He instead chooses to listen to the prophets who tell him what he wants to hear. So Ahab chooses to go and fight the Syrians. He also tells Jehoshaphat to dress as a king while he disguises himself. One can only assume the purpose of this was to end Jehoshaphat’s life and take over his kingdom, but the plan backfires when Jehoshaphat calls for God to deliver him, and Ahab dies in battle.

So what can we take away from this story? I think first of all, we once again see God’s grace. He could have held Jehoshaphat responsible for his actions, but instead chose to save Jehoshaphat when he called out to Him. 

We also see the punishment for choosing to ignore God’s words of warning to us. Ahab chose to rely on his plans instead of listening to God. This plan ended in destruction and death. That is also the end for us if we choose to rely on ourselves instead of relying on God and his promises to us.

By: Jacob Kerr — West Campus Pastoral Ministry Apprentice: Students & Worship